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Leading lineout thief tipped for Wallabies duty

By Online Editors

07 Mar 2020

Getty Images

Lock Matt Philip is a wanted man in Melbourne and should also be back on the Wallabies radar, according to Rebels coach Dave Wessels.

In barnstorming form this season, Philip was key to Melbourne’s 37-17 win over the Lions on Saturday night at AAMI Park – his 50th Super Rugby match.

He’s the leading Australian player in the Super Rugby competition for lineout steals and third overall, while he also set up at least one of the Rebels’ tries with his go-forward.

Philip has been linked to French club Pau but Wessels was confident that the 26-year-old would remain with the Rebels.

After playing his three Tests on the Wallabies’ Spring tour in late 2017, Wessels said he’d earnt another call-up.

“I don’t think Matt is heading to France but I can understand why French clubs want to chase a guy like that,” he said.

“Matt is a really great story, he’s one of those guys who really cares about the team so he’s really motivated by that but one thing he really wants to do is play for his country.

“Matt is the type of guy who is going to have a good career with Australia. He’s waited a long time to have that opportunity but he’s earnt that now.”

Wessels admitted that he didn’t initially see the promise in Philip, who started his Super Rugby career with the Western Force before joining the Rebels for the 2018 season.

“I wasn’t going to sign Matt back in the day until Dane (skipper Dane Haylett-Petty) talked me into it at a hotel in Sandton (South Africa),” Wessels said.

“When he started out I wasn’t convinced but Dane saw it long before I did so Matt’s got Dane to thank.”

– AAP

WATCH: Jim discusses the ramifications of the Six Nations going behind a paywall and no longer being shown on free to watch TV.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Icefarrow 58 minutes ago

2024 in review: Beauden Barrett’s brilliance sparks thrilling All Blacks win

Yeah, Perofeta's injury opened the door for Love to debut. Love's injury in NPC ruled him out of the Bledisloe Cup matches, but Robertson saw potential in him, so he kept him around for the EOYT. However, Perofeta's recovery meant he could return, hence Love being played on the Wing.

Robertson's attitude was just pissing me off near the end of the year, with how he'd go around complimenting the new guys as if he'd always seen potential in them, despite only giving them a chance due to injuries.

4 Go to comments

SO 1 hour ago

Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’ under Razor

I would remove J Barrett from that list ofbacks with outstanding seasons

12 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I really enjoyed a couple of new locations this year. I think both stadiums crowds were pumping!?!

I said it to NB, but wasn't thinking of 3 match tours when I did (just the RC home/away games), and it would be even better to have a 5 week tour during the 6N right? Play a couple of warm ups against a SAmerican team and Jaguares, then 3 tests in a row?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

What age do the kids come out of Varsity Cup, both the most talented and others that have to go all the way through?

They've tried it but I don't think their version of Currie Cup was ever able to sustain itself (if the CC does).

So you're not longer a primary Currie Cup fan? Can I ask when that changed?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

In 2021, Daily Maverick crunched the numbers and found that upwards of 500 South Africans were playing professional rugby for foreign clubs around the world.

197 Go to comments

Cantab 2 hours ago

Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’ under Razor

It will happen. Watch for Hotham to become understudy to Roigard for instance. As the formerly tried & true depart there are always up & comers ready to fill the gap.

12 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

He said "if" Graham

if they had Japan type interest and Money

Its a lack of ability by SARU thats the problem. SA has plenty of wealth to be able to support it.

I think by wealth he meant rugby wise, at least that's how I read it, as he's clearly saying SA can't do it.

At least not on a big stage, it's relatively accessable to do things like inter varisty competitions, and your guys just took out a competition in Dubai? NZ does stuff like that but I don't get an excitement that their activities can ever amount to much. I'm sure theres a much different feeling of excitement within SA.

In saying that, that sort of thing is actually how they could make money too. But can they dictate things for themselves by forming an African league? That would require some wealthy individuals for sure. Personally I think they should be happy just being a part of someone else idea, or a mutual one, as it will still take the game there to the next level. You just won't get rich by doing it.

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Again, what's your point?

If it's anything to do with the discussion going on, I'll just say it's not going to happen in the future, as the Tuipulotu's aren't going to have grandparents from another country.

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Any your point is?

No one's begrudging them that. JWH just said it's not a great look for the game, and it isn't.

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

That's a bit of a naive statement Nick. Have a read of this article School boy contracting

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Whatya mean?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

He included NZ in his point. They won't profit from it because it's now a 5 year residency requirement.

Are you arguing for that to return Nick? I think it would actually be great if kiwis could play for heritage countries like that and still remain eligible for the ABs. I don't think NZR arguing for that change is likely to happen, so it has to come from another means. The new Chairman?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

When was the last time SA won a series in NZ (actually I was thinking about NZ in SA), or the RC? Was that the point you were trying to make?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Well said, the immediate situation is well in hand as all it would take is a little rigging. The real discussion is what happens after that, but I guess people just want to gossip about the short term.

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Do you know how it's shared? Split over each URC team? Well said. The new club owners could spice things up right?